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Have you ever heard the sound a didgeridoo makes? The wind instrument, indigenous to Australia, emits a low, vibrating frequency when played that varies based on the length of the didgeridoo and the method of play.

Thanks to the generosity of the Blues Society of the Ozarks, you have a unique opportunity to learn more about the didgeridoo, its place in Aboriginal history and how it can be incorporated into blues music, when world-renowned blues musician Harper visits the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m.

The Australian musician is coming to Springfield as part of the Blues Society’s “Blues in the Schools” program, a nationwide effort to teach students, elementary through college age, the history of blues music and how to play musical instruments. Harper, probably best known for his harmonica playing, will be available to all ages during “Blues in the Schools @ the Library: Harper Brings Blues from Australia.”

“I think it will be a really fantastic opportunity for people of all ages who are interested in the blues genre or who maybe didn’t think they would like the blues and want to learn more about it,” said Reference Librarian Peggy Hanes. “There will be demonstrations and a performance by Harper, along with his band, so it’s something even families can come and enjoy together.”

Harper, who grew up surfing off the coast of Western Australia, has developed a distinctive style of blues music, incorporating his original and innovative use of the harmonica, the didgeridoo and unique storytelling ability into his songwriting.

To find out more about Harper and his music visit www.harper.biz. For information on Thursday's program, visit thelibrary.org, or pick up a copy of Bookends, the library’s calendar of events.

Sarah Jane Rosendahl, copywriter for the Springfield-Greene County Library District, can be reached at sarahr@thelibrary.org.